The Communities Scrutiny Committee of Epping Forest District Council convened on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss various community safety and policing matters. Key topics included the Serious Violence Duty, a presentation from the District Commander for Epping Forest and Brentwood, and reports on the work of council-funded police officers and the Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership.

Briefing on Serious Violence Duty

James Pearson, Team Manager for the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit, provided an update on the Serious Violence Duty. He explained that a preventative approach based on the public health model was being used to reduce violence across Essex. The primary objectives were to reduce knife injuries, non-domestic homicides, and hospital admissions due to bladed weapons among those under 25. Pearson highlighted a 40% reduction in knife injuries and a decrease in homicides from 15 to 9. The strategy includes five key strands: community engagement, workforce development, targeted intervention, data and intelligence use, and a communication strategy. The Committee emphasized the importance of working with parents and early intervention, which Pearson confirmed was funded. The unit's collaboration with the police has resulted in a 72% engagement rate post-arrest, contributing to reduced reoffending.

Presentation from the District Commander for Epping Forest and Brentwood

Chief Inspector Jonathan Main, Acting District Commander for Epping Forest and Brentwood, presented on the policing structure in the district and the Force Plan 2022/25. The plan aims to help people, keep them safe, and catch criminals. Main discussed various community priorities, including tackling crime, violence against women and girls, vehicle crime, burglary, anti-social behaviour (ASB), domestic abuse, and youth crime. He noted that Debden Broadway had received specific funding to address ASB, resulting in a 30% reduction. Main also mentioned the expansion of the rural engagement team and the dedicated rural crime officer. The Committee raised concerns about rural vehicle crime and speeding, to which Main responded that officers would attend Parish Council meetings to address these issues.

Bi-Annual Report on the Work of the Council-Funded Police Officers

Caroline Wiggins, Specialist Technical Services Officer, presented the six-month report on the work of the council-funded police team. She highlighted the positive impact of the partnership approach and the co-location of police and council officers. The Committee suggested increasing awareness and publicity of the team's work. The 'Herbert Protocol,' a system to protect vulnerable individuals with dementia, was also discussed, with plans to raise awareness through social media and the Member’s Bulletin.

Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership Annual Strategic Assessment

Wiggins provided an overview of the Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership's work, including the Annual Strategic Assessment, Annual Report, Safer Streets Ninefields End of Project Report, and Partnership Plan on a Page. The Strategic Assessment, required under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, directs and guides the partnership's activities. The Committee queried the classification of the Strategic Assessment document and was informed that it had been marked as 'Official Sensitive' by Essex Police. The Committee commended the partnership's work and requested wider publicity of projects and outcomes.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes Public Pack 19032024 Communities Scrutiny Committee.